Tag: Catholic Mass

_“Whoever causes one of these little ones to sin, it would be better if a great milestone is hung around his neck and thrown into the sea… If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off…. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off…. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out…” *Mark 9:42-47.*_

Dear friends, let’s just face it. Sin is a very serious matter. By using these graphic images, Jesus wants us to really have a feel of the gravity of what sin does to us. By talking about how we are to cut out parts of our body or drowning in the sea, Jesus wants us to perceive the smell of sin. If we cannot perceive the smell of sin, then we cannot summon the courage to avoid sin. Unfortunately, we live in a dark world that has not only lost the smell of sin but attempts to normalize its odour.

Our readings today mention different types of sin which we must avoid.

*1. The Sin of Jealousy.*

Why did Joshua try to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying in today’s first reading? Why did the disciples of Jesus try to stop a man from casting out demons in the name of Jesus? Could it be because they themselves could not cast out demons? Today’s Gospel passage comes from Mark 9, verses 38 to 48. If we go up a bit to verse 15 of this same Mark chapter 9, you will see how a demon practically embarrassed the disciples of Jesus. A man brought his boy to them but they could not cast out the demon and when Jesus came, he was ashamed of them saying “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you?” Mark 9:19.

Jealousy is a very smelly sin, it is the fuel of the pull-him-down-syndrome that we see everywhere. Jealousy blinds us to the Infinite Power of God that is unrestricted and unlimited to any person, camp or group. By criticising others who act in God’s name, we not only contribute to the scandal of division in the Christian faith, we act as though we are capable of fighting for God. God is powerful enough to stop those who use His Name wrongly or as a money-making enterprise. We are not the ones to stop them rather we who consider ourselves genuine should learn to be humble.

God can use anybody. Do you remember how the young Samuel who had not even been ordained was hearing from God while Eli the priest was no longer hearing from God? Imagine Eli attempting to crush the little boy Samuel! Is this not what is happening to us today?

The fact that Eldad and Medad despite their absence from the ordination ceremony, still received the power of prophecy only goes to show that God is so powerful that he cannot be held bound by distance. Jealousy limits God in our eyes, it also limits us from growing deeper in our faith.

*2. The sin of Exploitation of Workers.*

Today’s second reading opens our eyes to another smelly sin; the exploitation of workers. Has someone done some work for you and up till now, you haven’t paid the person? St. James says, begin to “weep and howl for the miseries that are coming to you…” Refusing to pay workers’ wages what is their due and at the right time is worse than stealing.

Since on Thursday, our country has been in a nationwide strike. Why? The refusal of Government to upgrade the minimum wage of workers. Meanwhile, this is a country where its lawmakers earn seven-times their counterparts in other highly developed nations in the world. I wept when I saw the statistics.

I don’t think inflation should scare us as much as rising inequality. When a few persons take the nation’s resources, they enslave the larger population. This is why God’s wrath will fall on the rich whose wealth comes from the blood of their fellow humans. This night, millions will go to bed with empty stomachs while some of us here will spend millions this night throwing a party. Why will God not punish us?

*3. The sin of Scandal.*

Another deadly, smelly and poisonous sin mentioned in today’s readings is Scandal. Jesus said: “Whoever causes one of these little ones to sin, it would be better if a great milestone is hung around his neck and thrown into the sea.” Mark 9:42. Scandal destroys the faith of those who are entrusted to us. Scandal makes a mockery of our moral values. It destroys the spiritual life of those who take us as mentors.

Are you a father, a mother, a coach, a teacher, a minister? Are you a leader in any church organisation? Even if you are in charge of just one person, do you realize that what you do in secret can affect and destroy those who are under your leadership?

*Conclusion – SIN IS AVOIDABLE.*

Every sin is both a suicide and a murder. It kills us by weakening our desire to be saints and kills others through bad example. By saying we should cut off our hands and foot and pluck our eyes, Jesus wants us to realise that we have power over sin and that right within us are the causes of sin. If we really want to stop sin, then we need to avoid the environment for sin. They say a mistake is only a mistake the first time. By the second time, it becomes foolishness. Stop blaming the devil for your sins. Repent today!

*Let us pray: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see the gravity of every sin that I may never ever offend you again. Amen.*

Happy Sunday. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.

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(cover Image is of people leaving Easter Sunday Mass.)The basic idea of how we should behave in Church is summed up by the Second Council of Lyons, A.D. 1274:

It is fitting that He Whose abode has been established in peace should be worshipped in peace and with due reverence. Churches, then, should be entered humbly and devoutly; behaviour inside should be calm, pleasing to God, bringing peace to the beholders, a source not only of instruction but of mental refreshment. Those who assemble in church should extol with an act of special reverence that Name which is above every Name, than which no other under Heaven has been given to people, in which believers must be saved, the Name, that is, of Jesus Christ, Who will save His people from their sins. Each should fulfil in himself that which is written for all, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow; whenever that glorious Name is recalled, especially during the sacred Mysteries of the Mass, everyone should bow the knees of his heart, which he can do even by a bow of his head. In churches the sacred solemnities should possess the whole heart and mind; the whole attention should be given to prayer.

Attire

People have no problem, it seems, dressing for weddings, funerals, office parties, or dates — but seem to think that dressing to meet Almighty God at the Mass is passé. But dressing for Mass is simply a matter of showing proper respect, not only for God, but for others around you. It’s certainly not a matter of showing off one’s finery — lots of people don’t even have fine clothes. Certainly, too, some people may attend certain Masses — say the 5:30 PM Masses — on their way home from their construction jobs. Fine! There is nothing to worry about in these things! Never let circumstances out of your control make you feel embarrassed or keep you away from the Sacraments! But one should always wear clothes that are modest, and, if possible, all things being equal, clean and the nicest clothes one has.

Below are some guidelines for proper attire (which also apply for other liturgies, such as Eucharistic Adoration or the Divine Office, etc.):

Shorts & Sweats: Just say no.

Blue Jeans: Nice blue jeans can be “OK” (but just OK), especially if dressed up, but are not ideal. But if jeans are all you have, then, by golly, wear jeans!

Ties and Jackets: Typical for men and considered the mark of the “well-dressed” male in the West. If you have no suit or jacket, then come in the best you have, if possible.

Head Coverings: Laymen never wear hats in churches (except for rare ceremonial reasons on the part of some confraternities and lay associations).

Optional for women, some do cover their heads and have from the very first day of the Church. Headcoverings (mantillas, scarves, hats, etc.) are put on before entering the church — at least before entering the church proper; they aren’t necessary in the narthex) and are removed after leaving the church (or in the narthex). Please read more about veiling here. Some parishes and chapels will have veils available for women who don’t have any.

Special to Women: Like men, women should wear their “Sunday best,” which in the West is typically considered to be a dress or skirt. If dresses or skirts are worn, hemlines should cover the knees when standing and sitting, shoulders should be covered (i.e., “tank top” dresses and spaghetti straps are not kosher), and necklines should be modest. If you have no dress or skirt, then wear the best outfit you have, if possible.

Just a note on lipstick: if you wear some, be sure to blot really well before kissing icons, statues, the priest’s hands, etc. (“Girlfriend Tip”: get the kind that doesn’t “kiss off” or smudge…)

Cell Phones/Pagers: Turn them off. Oh, please, turn them off. Or at least set them to vibrate if you truly need to know if you’re getting a call.

Etiquette: This is beyond “etiquette,” but I will note here that you are to fast before receiving the Eucharist, and are to refrain from receiving the Eucharist if you are in a state of mortal sin. If you are a public, unrepentant sinner, the priest has every right and duty to not offer you the Body of Christ.

General deportment in a church and at the Mass should be based on these Truths:

Christ is present in the tabernacle. Therefore, respect the sanctuary as the holiest area of the church; it is the Holy of Holies.

During the Mass, we are at the foot of the Cross, witnessing the re-presentation of the Sacrifice at Calvary. How would you behave if you could see, in a way very apparent to the senses, Christ on the Cross, pouring out His Blood for you? What sort of gratitude and reverence would you exhibit? Look upon the Mass with the eyes of faith, and know that the all too common focus on the Mass only or primarily as “celebratory meal” or a “happy gathering” is in no way Catholic and in no way represents the Truth of what the Mass is.

If you’re not shy, greet newcomers outside or in the Narthex (NOT in the church itself!) as they come in or leave. Make them feel welcome; learn their names. Give them eye contact, a warm handshake, a friendly pat on the back. Introduce them to the priest after Mass if they haven’t already met. Let them know they are welcome, wanted, and entering the House of God. If they are new parishioners, talk to them sometime about events and associations in your parish. If there are coffee and donuts or some such being served after Mass, invite them! Go out of your way to make them feel at home. (Of course, on the other hand, some people are loners or are in very contemplative moods before Mass or just like to go to Mass and be left alone. Use your intuition and respect their wishes — but a smile never hurt a loner, either!)

When you enter the Church, cross yourself with Holy Water and thank God for the grace given to you at Baptism. When you reach your pew, genuflect toward the Tabernacle in the Sanctuary before sitting down.

Keep sacred silence in the church: Avoid unecessary conversation and keep necessary conversation to a very low whisper. The Church is a lot holier than a library, eh?

Please try to be on time for Mass! Sometimes things can’t be helped, without doubt — cars break down, babies need changing, alarm clocks fail to go off — but chronic lateness for the Mass is rude and disruptive.

Confession: If you go to Confession right before Mass, let the priest know how many people are in line behind you for the Confessional. If you have an extremely long confession to make and there are many people behind you and Mass begins soon, mention only mortal sins or make your confession at a later date (and do NOT receive the Eucharist if any of the sins you need to confess are mortal!).

When someone is in the Confessional, keep a very wide berth of it. It’s very, very rude — very rude — to stand anywhere near the Confessional when it is in use by another. (I always put a hand over my ear that faces the Confessional if I have to pass by it and someone is in there with the priest. It’s not that one can overhear what is going on inside the Confessional — I never have, at least — but it helps signal to others that the Confessional is a very safe, private place that all Catholics understand needs to be respected as such).

Children: Children sometimes can’t help making a bit of noise at Mass — but it’s usually the kind of noise we Catholics love to hear (what’s better than new Catholics, especially little tiny ones?). If your child is out of control, though, or disruptive enough to distract people or makes it hard for others to hear or contemplate, take him to the Narthex, the “Cry Room,” or outside. Remember, too, that an acceptable level of noise to you as a parent might be one thing because you are so used to hearing your children that you take their sounds for granted; others might find that same noise very distracting. And, please, don’t let your children kick the backs of the pews or turn around and stare at people behind them.

Note that children under the age of reason (7 years old) aren’t required to assist at Mass, so, while it is extremely laudable to bring children of ALL ages to Mass, it is also OK to leave them at home, too, if it makes things easier on you or if they are particularly cranky or boisterous. One day (my prayer, though, is that parents do bring their children to Mass as often as possible!).

It might be best if couples with tiny infants and very young toddlers sat in the back of the church and at the end of the pew, if possible, so that if you must leave to tend to your children, your departure won’t be distracting. Children who are old enough to pay some attention, though, might be better off sitting in front so that they can watch more closely what the priest and altar boys do. This will not only help them learn about the Mass, but will keep their attention occupied so they’ll be less restive. Children who are old enough to read should have children’s missals so they can follow along.

Encourage your child’s attention at the Mass by teaching him and by asking him questions beforehand, giving him things to watch for. As an example, you could ask him: how many times the priest makes the Sign of the Cross during the Mass, and let him try to count them; what side of the Altar the priest chants the Epistle from; at what times the bells ring; how often the exchange “Dominus vobiscum” and “Et cum spiritu tuo” is made; to discover what his favorite chanted melody is and what the words mean, etc. Ask him to look and listen for things that help us to know what liturgical season it is, for example the presence or absence of the alleluia or gloria, the liturgical colors used, etc.

Have him listen to the priest’s sermon and to the Gospel readings, and then have him repeat it back to you at the after-Mass breakfast or during supper. Ask him questions about what he heard during the sermon and Gospel readings, what it means, what he thinks about what he heard, what questions he might have, to draw pictures that depict today’s Gospel, etc. Make these exchanges fun and interesting, though; we don’t want “Church” to be seen as a chore or a bore, and the child shouldn’t feel as if he’s being put through an inquisition.

Do not chew gum or bring food or drinks into the church: The only exceptions are discreetly breastfeeding or giving a bottle to an infant (or, of course, rare medical emergencies such as giving water to a person reviving from having fainted, etc. True charity trumps all law, and law exists to serve charity.).

Never applaud in church for any reason.

Do not pray in the orans position (with arms extended upwards or outwards) during the liturgy. Though it is an ancient, natural, and beautiful prayer posture — rather like a child reaching up to his Father — and though it is commonly seen among the laity in the Novus Ordo Mass, it is a posture reserved for priests during the properly-offered Mass. Pray in the orans position all you want at home.

Hand-holding during the Our Father: This is not a traditional Catholic practice. It’s fine if you want to hold hands with family or friends you’ve come with, but don’t grab strangers’ hands or engage in the pew-jumping and running down the aisles to find someones’ hand that goes on during the Novus Ordo rite.

During the Offertory (the very first part of the Mass of the Faithful) is when the collection is taken. Have your offering prepared before you get to church and ready to pull out at this time. The ushers will move from the front of the church to the back, away from the Altar. How much to give is left to your discretion, as we are not bound by the Old Testament laws of tithing but are bound, as a precept of the Church, to support the Church as a general command.

If you’re not receiving the Eucharist, be sure to raise the kneeler, if necessary, and make room for people to cross in front of you so they can go stand in line.

When you receive the Host, don’t chew on it like it’s a piece of steak; let it soften in your mouth, then swallow. One does not respond “Amen” or with any gesture but the Sign of the Cross after receiving the Host, unlike in the Novus Ordo.

After receiving Communion, keep a “custody of the eyes.” Walk back to your seat with eyes in front of you, toward the floor. The most traditional posture after receving Communion is to walk with your hands in the “prayer position” — palms together, fingers pointing upward, held at chest level. When you reach your pew, it is customary to kneel after Communion.

Both before and after you’ve received, maintain this “custody of the eyes” and don’t watch people as they return to their seats. Though the Eucharist unites us into one Body, it is, paradoxically, a very intimate time that calls for intense gratitude and individual contemplation (you may see people cover their faces with their hands or veils for a sense of privacy).

The Mass is not truly over until the priest has left the Altar. Don’t sneak out after Communion.

When it is time to leave (i.e., after the priest has descended from the Altar and left the building), those sitting in the front pews generally leave first (“first in, first out”). This order should be maintained because we genuflect upon leaving our pew — and we shouldn’t be genuflecting toward some guy walking toward us down the aisle or blocking his exit. When you do exit your pew to leave the church, genuflect once again toward the Tabernacle. Some Catholics also again sign themselves with Holy Water when leaving the Church (a perfectly fine, pious custom, but one which isn’t related to the historically-rooted purposes of blessing oneself upon entering the church).

Non-Catholic Guests: If you bring a non-Catholic guest to Mass, explain to him the meaning of the Mass, its parts, what to expect, etc, beforehand. And definitely explain to him lovingly, before you arrive at church, why he is not allowed to receive the Eucharist. Assure him that he is most welcome, and that we are glad he is with us, but that we Catholics know that the apparent “Bread and Wine” is truly the very Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. Tell him that if that is not how he sees it, we believe he would be eating and drinking judgment on himself — 1 Corinthians 11:29 — and that we would be absolutely remiss in allowing him to receive the Eucharist without discerning the Body of Christ. Explain that even if he does believe it, Catholics who are not in a state of grace and young Latin Catholics who haven’t yet been properly prepared for their “First Communion” don’t receive the Eucharist, so it’s nothing personal.

…and if he does believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, teach him about the rest of Catholic teaching and get him to convert!

Refraining from judgementalism: Do not sit in judgement of those who come to Mass not knowing the proper attire and etiquette (I speak here of the good-willed who are simply ignorant, not of public, persistent, unrepentant sinners who use the Mass for political purposes, who flaunt Divine Law intentionally, etc. Even with that latter group of people, we are to refrain from personal judgements and are to love them in Truth, even as we judge their actions and protect our Church).

Instruct those who are new to the Church gently and lovingly — and mostly by good example. Ideally, churches and chapels will have the basic expectations written somewhere in the Narthex, in parish bulletins, in pamphlets in the pews, etc, but in any case, dirty looks and an accusing tone hurled at a newcomer are uncalled for; much more Christian — and effective — is a simple, “Ah! You’re new here! Welcome! It’s great that you’re here! Here is some information that will help you feel comfortable at this parish; please, if you have any questions, just ask!” — all wrapped up in a warm, genuine smile.

Instead of thrusting a veil at an unveiled woman and looking at her as though she’s the devil incarnate, give her a big smile and a “Oh, sister, you don’t have a veil? Here’s one that would look pretty on you!” or some other such thing (assuming you can speak genuinely). If she isn’t receptive, just mind your own danged business and let Father deal with it his way.

Finally, don’t assume the ill-dressed even have better clothes or were in the circumstance of being able to access better clothes (maybe they’d been in an hospital waiting room all night, who knows? None of your business!). While we do owe our Lord our best, the Mass isn’t a fashion show, and we’ve lost the Christian message entirely if we are “likened to whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear to men beautiful but within are full of dead men’s bones and of all filthiness” — which sitting in judgement of other people without knowing their situation and acting like holier-than-thou Pharisees would make us.

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Of the roughly 68 million people who identify as Catholic in the United States, only about a third go to Mass on any given weekend. This is obviously a big problem!

It’s a problem for a number of reasons, not least of which that Mass is a source of necessary grace for our souls. But there’s another serious reason that many self-identified Catholics may not fully understand: If a Catholic knows that Mass attendance is required on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, has Mass nearby he can attend, does not have a “grave cause” to miss Mass, but still skips Mass, he commits a grave sin.

Yes, you aren’t just a bad Catholic, you’re committing a sin you will need to confess in Reconciliation for the sake of your soul.

Mass isn’t just a nice thing to do if you’re particularly religious or “super Catholic”; rather, it’s the cornerstone of any authentic Catholic life. In fact, of the five precepts of the Church (what the Catechism calls the “necessary minimum” for being a practicing Catholic), attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is the first one! This requirement is also made explicit in the Code of Canon Law (CIC 1247ff).

Of course, as mentioned above, it’s not a sin to miss Mass if you have a good reason; for example, if you are sick or have to care for others. If you are in that situation, know that you are still an integral part of the Church, that the Church prays for you, and that the Church covets any prayers you can offer.

What if you are one of the millions of Catholics who regularly skips Mass without a good reason? What should you do? The first thing you should know is that the Church still wants you! You can always come back – and you should for the sake of your soul.

If you are ready to re-commit to the Catholic life, including weekly Mass attendance, you should go to Confession to get a fresh start. Remember, if we repent, Jesus is always willing to receive us back.

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1. You’re there

You were at Mass, right? ‘Cause if you weren’t, this just got really awkward.

2. You arrived on time

What do you mean what do I mean by “on time”? On time, on schedule, not late, prompt, timely, punctual…Need I go on? Alright, so you didn’t arrive before the processional. No fault if you made an honest attempt. If you’ve got young kids, it’s a miracle you arrived at all. So…

3. You blessed yourself with holy water

Despite rushing in the door, dragging behind a legion of confoundingly hungry children… Um, maybe that’s just me…Either way, you remembered to dip a finger or two in the fount and bless yourself with the sign of the cross. Thank God for the force of habit, eh?

4. You listened to the readings

Listening while wrangling children is, admittedly, a relative term. But this is important, which is why you’re super attentive to the readings. You know God’s feeding you with his word before feeding you with himself. Good work!

5. You stayed awake during the homily

If you’re a convert from Protestantism, as I am, then you’ve seen plenty of examples of sleepy sermons and their victims(?) I was once one of those dozers. Since entering the Church, though, I’ve actually never experienced this, and I’ve never seen it happen. [I’m sure the brevity helps 😀 ]

6. You said/sung the responses

It’s one thing to not sing the less than stellar selections made by the music director, but you know better than to be habitually silent during the Gloria, the Sanctus, the Agnus Dei, etc. Kudos on having them memorised too. 😉

7. You didn’t raise your hands during the Our Father

…because one day this past year, you read a listicle that explained that within Mass the Orans posture (hands extended to the side) is proper only to priests. Maybe nobody else noticed that you gave up copying the priest at Mass, but that’s OK. The Big Guy noticed.

8. You didn’t get distracted by people doing things wrong

That same listicle caused you to be hyper-aware of the mistaken actions everywhere at Mass for weeks afterwards. But you’ve since managed to focus on simply doing things right at Mass, setting your mind on full, active participation.

9. You didn’t leave until the recessional

The world was calling, but you did not listen. What was an extra 60 seconds in the church? Maybe not much, but your priorities were rightly ordered. No rushing out for you; never a good idea to mimic Judas anyhow. Well done!

Shoot, that’s only 9 things! Ah, you know what? You’ll come up with #10. What did I miss? Comment below